Barker College vs Loreto Normanhurst
A head-to-head comparison of two combined schools in New South Wales, 1.3 km apart, using official ACARA 2025 data. Best value in each row is highlighted.
Barker College
Hornsby · Independent combined · K-12
2,856 students · ICSEA 1166
Loreto Normanhurst
Normanhurst · Independent combined · 5-12
1,240 students · ICSEA 1164
| Measure | Barker College Hornsby NSW | Loreto Normanhurst Normanhurst NSW |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index | 80 Top 10% | 83 Top 5% |
| State rank (type) | #43 of 314 | #25 of 314 |
| National rank (type) | #105 of 1,259 | #69 of 1,259 |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Type | Combined | Combined |
| Year range | K-12 | 5-12 |
| Students | 2,856 | 1,240 |
| Girls / boys | 1,173 / 1,683 | 1,240 / 0 |
| Foundation intake | 58 | – |
| Year 7 cohort | 343 | 185 |
| Year 12 cohort | 361 | 177 |
| VCE median study score VCAA, latest year | – | – |
| VCE study scores 40+ | – | – |
| 5-year enrolment growth | +20% | +13% |
| ICSEA Average 1000 | 1166 | 1164 |
| ICSEA percentile | 97th | 97th |
| Top SEA quarter | 71% | 67% |
| Bottom SEA quarter | 2% | 2% |
| Students per teacher | 10.1 | 9.4 |
| Teaching staff (FTE) | 282.6 | 131.4 |
| Non-teaching staff (FTE) | 234.2 | 84.0 |
| Language background other than English | 15% | 26% |
| Indigenous students | 1% | 2% |
| Suburb | Hornsby 2077 | Normanhurst 2076 |
| Council area | Hornsby | Hornsby |
| Remoteness | Major Cities | Major Cities |
| Website | www.barker.college | www.loretonh.nsw.edu.au |
The verdict
- •Loreto Normanhurst scores higher on the Success Index (82.5 vs 80.3).
- •Barker College has the higher ICSEA (1166 vs 1164), indicating a more advantaged community.
- •Loreto Normanhurst has fewer students per teacher (9.4 vs 10.1).
- •Barker College is the larger school with 2,856 students compared with 1,240.
- •Barker College has grown faster over five years (20% vs 13%).
The Success Index summarises community advantage, resourcing and momentum from ACARA data. It does not measure teaching quality, results or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Barker College better than Loreto Normanhurst?
On the Success Index, Loreto Normanhurst ranks higher (82.5 vs 80.3 out of 100). The index measures community advantage and momentum from ACARA data, not teaching quality, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Barker College and Loreto Normanhurst?
About 1.3 km in a straight line, between Hornsby and Normanhurst in New South Wales.
Which has the better student-to-teacher ratio?
Barker College has 10.1 students per full-time-equivalent teacher and Loreto Normanhurst has 9.4.
How do Barker College and Loreto Normanhurst rank in NSW?
Barker College is 43rd of 314 and Loreto Normanhurst is 25th of 314 among combined schools in New South Wales on the 2025 Success Index.